Government has not ruled out the introduction of user fees for services offered at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Speaking at the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and the University of the West Indies, Minister of Health, John Boyce, said that the objectives set out by the Government in the 2013 Budget were ???real??? and had to be met. To this end, he added that all areas of revenue restructuring would be examined.
???It is a question of making sure that this country is here for us and for our children, 10, 15, 20 years down the road??? I think it is clear that all Barbadians from all walks [of life] will be asked to join in this very important struggle. We have done well so far, in relative terms???These are real targets which the Government has set in terms of fiscal prudence in Barbados which we know must be met,??? Mr. Boyce posited.
The Health Minister added that those persons who were experiencing social hardship would not be overlooked in the process.
???[They] will be dealt with in a proper programme of social care attached to any arrangements that are made,??? Mr. Boyce stated.
melissa.rollock@barbados.gov.bb